From the Vicar

Dear friends,

In the last St Stephen's News, I highlighted several aspects of our life together, and I want to offer a quick update on each.

First, Hannah and I will be opening the vicarage garden for bring and share picnics on Sundays in June. We trust these will be a good opportunity for our families to come together, but they are open to all. The dates can be found here. Please sign up just so we know to expect you!

Second, our churchwarden vacancies. The PCC met on Monday evening to discuss this situation. In terms of next steps, a working group is being set up to consider the responsibilities of our outgoing churchwardens, and to discern how these responsibilities might be covered effectively in the short-term. This will lead to a longer-term consideration of the churchwarden role and how this relates to other roles (voluntary and paid) within our church community. Please do continue to hold the PCC in your prayers as we navigate the way forward.

Finally, the Diocesan safeguarding audit. Across the Church of England, each Diocese is undergoing an independent audit of its safeguarding practices. London's turn has now come! For some of us, safeguarding will sound like jargon, so let me describe it this way: safeguarding is about looking out for the welfare of all, particularly the most vulnerable in society. It's about noticing when something isn't quite right, and knowing how to respond appropriately. And it's about creating environments where everyone is safe, valued and respected. The audit is of London Diocese, not St Stephen's, but as the people of St Stephen's we are all asked to complete an anonymous survey that invites us to think about how well we look out for the welfare of all in our church community. The survey can be found here. You will notice that there are several survey options, including one for children and young people, and one for victims and survivors of abuse. You are invited to complete as many as apply to you. The survey(s) will close at 11.30pm on Tuesday 8th July. If you have any questions about the survey(s), or would simply like to know more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me (david@ststephens-ealing.org).

I shall be on annual leave next week and will not be on phone or email. I will pick up any messages when I return.

With every blessing,

David
 
Women's Clothes Swap
Don't forget our Women's Clothes Swap, this Saturday 7th June at 7:30pm. Drop clothes in before, or you can bring when you arrive, clean, good quality clothes and accessories you not longer want or need to swap for new items for your own wardrobe. Refreshments and light nibbles will be available. The event is free but donations towards the cost of refreshments would be appreciated. Any items or additional money will be donated to The Marylebone Project, one of our Mission Partners. Any questions please email admin@ststephens-ealing.org.
 
Thinking about Giving regularly?
This Sunday there will be a stand where you can talk to one of us about Giving. You may be new to church or have perhaps not thought yet about giving regularly, now is your chance to find out more. We are also encouraging existing givers to switch to the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) / Direct Debit scheme as we rearrange our banking - nearly a third of our givers have signed up to the PGS and found it easy to use (and its free to us). Click here or take a leaflet on Sunday. 
Chris and Helen Irwin-Childs (Giving Co-ordinators) and Jane Maffett (Treasurer) giving@ststephens-ealing.org will be present to discuss and questions you have as will members of PCC / Finance Committee who have experience of the options.
 
TeaTimers Friday afternoons 2.30 - 4pm for the over 60s
Save the date for special guests coming soon:
13 June - Dinos - The Welshman, the Cypriot and the Silversmith 
11 July - John Boult - Ealing through Young Eyes, a video short made by young film-makers
See here for other topics Ann Toley, Caroline Jamieson, Chris Nicholson and Jane Maffett.

Christian Aid Week '25
With all Street Collections and '70K in May' sponsorship now in, we can confirm that a total of £2,673.81 (including Gift Aid) has now been raised for Christian Aid by St. Stephen's in May. Sue Charlton also confirms that she walked 93 Km in May, just walking to/from church, the shops, her allotment plot etc. Thanks to all who supported each and every event and appeal. We have had whole hearted thanks from Christian Aid too.
 
Do you have a room to spare?
One of our church members is facing a sticky situation with their housing. They are in need of finding somewhere to stay for a few weeks while they identify a long-term solution. Might you have a room they could use? If so, please contact Morgen (admin@ststephens-ealing.org) who can put you in touch.
 
New Dance Class
Sue Whitaker has started a FREE exercise dance class at St Stephen's on Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm. It is based on Latin rhythms and is suitable for anyone 15 years +. Any contributions that you would like to make for the class will be donated directly to St Stephens. It's recommended that attendees bring water and wear suitable trainers and gym wear. Come along on your own or bring a friend, and you'll be welcomed warmly to this new class. Any queries please speak to Sue Whitaker directly.
 
Parish Prayer
This fortnight please pray for the area to the north of our parish, where some church members live and for the people there to come to know Jesus.
 
Prayer for the Week
Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,
ignite in us your holy fire;
strengthen your children with the gift of faith,
revive your Church with the breath of love,
and renew the face of the earth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.